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Set 9: Rhetorical Synthesis (Advanced)

Explanation

Answer: D

PASSAGE

A student is writing about the Space Race. The student wants to emphasize the historic significance of the Moon landing. Notes: - Neil Armstrong took humanity's first steps on the Moon on July 20, 1969. - An estimated 600 million people watched the landing live on television. - The Apollo 11 mission lasted 8 days. - The U.S. spent approximately $25 billion on the Apollo program.

Which choice most effectively uses information from the notes to accomplish the student's goal?

A. The Apollo program cost approximately $25 billion, representing a massive investment in space exploration.
B. The Apollo 11 mission, which lasted 8 days, successfully achieved its goal of reaching the Moon.
C. The United States won the Space Race by landing astronauts on the Moon before the Soviet Union.
D. When Neil Armstrong took humanity's first steps on the Moon on July 20, 1969, 600 million viewers watched a moment that would define a generation.✓ Correct

Detailed Answer Explanation

This question asks you to effectively combine information to achieve a goal. The goal is historic significance. Combining 'humanity's first steps,' the date, and 600 million viewers emphasizes the momentous nature. The correct synthesis will use relevant details from the notes in a logical, purposeful way. Focus on what the question asks you to accomplish, then choose the answer that best achieves that goal using the provided information. Effective synthesis requires selecting and combining the most relevant information to achieve a specific purpose. Not all provided notes may be equally useful. Focus on what best accomplishes the stated goal while maintaining logical coherence.

Key Evidence:

• "emphasize the historic significance"

• "humanity's first steps"

• "600 million people watched"

Why others are wrong: A (Emphasizes cost, not historic significance.), C (Not in notes; focuses on competition rather than significance of the moment.), B (States mission duration and success; doesn't emphasize significance.).

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